SCHOOL NEWS - Concerns about increasing violence among learners at Allen Glen High School in Roodepoort have surfaced, with learners reportedly facing daily assaults and bullying and at least one learner hospitalised with broken ribs and further injuries after being severely beaten.
Roodepoort Record reports this is according to a concerned parent who reached out to the newspaper and requested to remain anonymous to protect her son.
“These days, parents are scared to send their children to school. The principal refuses to speak to parents about the concerns raised, and nothing has been done about the gangs operating the violence,” anonymous said.
Allegations of inadequate supervision
It is alleged that the teachers are largely absent during fights, which sometimes end up in public spaces, including the fuel station on the corner. Victims reportedly fear retaliation if they report assaults, leaving parents frustrated and feeling unheard.
The anonymous parent also added that learners face ongoing bullying, theft and intimidation in classrooms. She described an incident where classmates forcibly took a learner’s new phone, accusing her of stealing it.
Despite raising these concerns at the school’s recent AGM, parents say little action has followed.
“We leave it in the hands of the school and do not get feedback. We are turning to the media as we are afraid that our children will be killed,” the parent added.
Department responds
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed it is aware of the incidents and has taken steps to address them.
“The department is deeply concerned about gangsterism and ill-discipline among Grade 8 and 9 learners at Allen Glen High School. We have dispatched officials who met with all stakeholders and implemented intervention strategies to contain the situation.
“Duty rosters for supervision, assemblies educating learners about gangs, and support from social workers and law enforcement are all in place. We strongly condemn any acts of misconduct that undermine the dignity of our learning institutions and appeal to parents to assist in enforcing discipline both in and outside the school environment,” the spokesperson for the department, Steve Mabona, said.
Mabona added that the school participates in anti-bullying and anti-gangsterism programmes, and the school governing body is collaborating with the fuel station and transport drivers to ensure learners are collected on time while addressing loitering near the garage.
Awaiting further comment
The newspaper contacted the school’s principal and the police to obtain comment on the issue, but no response had been received at the time of publishing, despite a clear deadline being provided.
This developing situation highlights concerns over the safety of learners, the need for active school supervision, and the urgent need for authorities to address violent behaviour in schools.
- Parents’ names and surnames have been withheld to protect the identity of their minor children, as required by the South African Press Code
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